Dear USET/USET SPF Family,
In keeping with initiatives to continually update and ensure the accuracy of the National Broadband Map (NBP), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently accepting challenges from Tribal governments or Tribal entities to broadband service provider reported service locations on the NBP. Known as the Broadband Serviceable Location (BSL) Fabric, this is the second time (version two) the FCC is encouraging review and challenges to the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) system. The BDC system collects and compiles broadband service provider availability filings to the FCC, which then produces the BSL Fabric for review by the public.
The deadline to submit challenges to the BSL Fabric version two data is Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Challenges submitted to the BSL Fabric version two data will be reviewed and adjudicated by the FCC and any that are not accounted for will be included in the next iteration of the BSL Fabric (version three). This BSL Fabric version three will be released in conjunction with the BDC filing window for providers on June 30, 2023, and challenges from Tribal governments or Tribal entities will be due by September 1, 2023.
The FCC Broadband Data Task Force has issued a, “Recommended Best Practices for Challenges to Updated [BSL] Fabric” Public Notice, which can be viewed by clicking here. This Public Notice provides information on how to review and submit challenges to the BSL Fabric, especially how to view its geospatial datasets and coordinates since physical/mailing addresses and E911 data cannot be used as the sole data sources to submit challenges (though they can be used as supplemental data). Additional information for Tribal governments or Tribal entities on how to access and use the BSL Fabric can be found by clicking here. Requests for assistance can also be submitted online, or by directly contacting the FCC Office of Native Affairs and Policy at Native@fcc.gov.
For more information, please contact Brian Howard, Senior Policy Analyst, at bhoward@usetinc.org.
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